Christmas tree decorating

I’m sorry but I hate decorating for Christmas. I love the end result – but hate putting it all up and then taking it all down. I just want the tree to magically appear perfectly dressed. We always get our tree from a local school that uses the tree sale to raise funds for the PTA and each year we’ve had a beautiful 8ft pine in the house. Now an 8ft tree takes a lot of decorating and for someone who is a tad OCD that is a lot of lining up, leveling, and gaps to fill to make sure that the ornaments and lights are appropriately positioned. Nay fun for neither me, or the folks around me who have to deal with my OCD. I love the idea of us all decorating it together, as a family – but in reality it gives me palpitations and anxiety beyond belief – especially if one area of the tree is overloaded with ornaments at Hugh’s height – meaning they are not located equidistant from one another around the tree. Last year I actually left the country to avoid decorating the tree. I happened to be in the UK and though I tried to provide instructions and directions via Skype, in the end I had to let MM take control and get on with it. The tree arrives on Friday and both children are so excited to help decorate – the control freak in me is tempted to do it all before they get home – but that’s just mean isn’t it?

Yesterday I was late and dashing around so had to do a quick iPhone shot for you. Jane left me a comment the other day about the AllSaints Bonny Cuban boots so I dug them out from the bottom of the boot pile. They are a fun boot with plenty going on, what with fringes and buckles – they are also pretty darn comfy. I love the taupe color they have in stock now too. Building from the ground up I went with the Zara emerald green jeans, AllSaints Wasson dress layered over an H&M t-shirt dress, topped off with the Zara camouflage scarf and the Zara quilted leather jacket. Perfect for a cold, comfy Tuesday.

You all know that I am a fan of Zara’s harem pants. I wore these back in June then these here more recently. They are definitely not to everyone’s taste – but personally I love them as an alternative to skinny trousers and jeans. The only issue I have with these pairs is that they are quite dressy and silky – not ideal for office wear – well not in my very relaxed office anyway. Fortunately I found these herringbone pants – less harem – more just cuffed trousers – but they are so comfy, and even better they are warm – plus they have an elastic waist! I think they will be great for traveling in as an alternative to sweatpants. Today I paired them with a Zara camo top (my I do like my camouflage), Sam Edelman Petty boots in burgundy (they appear to be sold out on Zappos.com after Cyber Monday) and a Zara scarf.